By Staff Reporter
South Africa– South Africa’s third largest political outfit, the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK Party) has expressed deep concern and sorrow over the brutal killings of its members which it says has continued post the May 29 plebiscite. The press statement by the MK Party comes amid reports of another brutal murder of one of its member which occurred right in front of the man’s family.
“The MK Party expresses its profound sorrow and deep concern over the brutal and cold- blooded killings of our members. These heinous acts of violence, which began before the elections and continue even now, represent a grievous assault on our democratic values and the safety of our community.” said the Party in its communication to the media.
“We are devastated to report the further cold-blooded murder of another one of our members today that took place in front of his wife and children, compounding the tragedy and trauma experienced by his family and our party.”
In its communique, the Jacob Zuma backed outfit expressed misgivings that the the South African Police Services and the South African Defence Forces are deploying supposedly against its members which they know are victims of targeted political violence.
“Despite the interventions made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in apprehending those responsible, we find it deeply troubling that the SAPS and the South African Defence Force (SADF) are now deploying police and soldiers in readiness to quell potential violence from MK Party members. This stance is profoundly misplaced and unjust, as it is clear that our members are victims, and not the perpetrators of these violent acts.”
The MK Party leadership says it has engaged in urgent discussions with Minister Bheki Cele to ensure the safety and security of its members and the broader community, committing to working with law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice and urges SAPS to act swiftly and effectively.
The party also warned against attempts by criminals to discredit it by committing violent acts while wearing its regalia. It reiterates its commitment to peace and democratic principles, calling on its members and supporters to remain calm and patient despite provocations.
The MK Party caused a tremor in South African politics after it garnered nearly 15% of the votes eclipsing the Economic Freedom Fighters as the third force in South African politics. Analyst have credited the party’s grand entrance as the main reason behind the ANC’s failure to garner the majority it requires to govern alone. The party is made up of mostly MK Veterans and disgruntled ANC members of a faction popularly referred to as the RET (Rapid Economic Transformation) which were vanquished by the Cyril Ramaphosa led one that is all about “Renewal” of the ANC.